6 council cops in court for abuse of duty

Six Harare Municipal Police officers yesterday appeared at the Mbare Magistrates’ Courts facing charges of criminal abuse of duty after they allegedly towed away an impounded omnibus before issuing a ticket of offence.

BY NQOBILE NKIWANE

The six — Gilbert Nyenyai (42), Fanuel Zivengwa (37), Simbarashe Shave (33), Tinashe Samoto (31) Evermore Masuka (37) and Watson Sadza (40) — pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before magistrate Gladys Moyo who remanded them to March 10 for trial.

Four of them, Nyenyai, Zivengwa, Shave and Samoto, were released on $100 bail.

The other two, Masuka and Sadza, will make their bail application today through their lawyer.

Allegations against the six are that on October 28 last year along Julius Nyerere Way, they towed away and impounded a Toyota Quantum commuter omnibus without following council procedures.

The omnibus had been parked by Mike Matambo.

The State alleges that the actions were contrary to their duties as public officers.

The State further alleges that the particular vehicle was towed away before a ticket of offence was issued.